The deserved rest

Summertime, and the living is easy...

Jun 20, 2025

As summer approaches (the official start, at least), I feel like going through my ‘summer photography’ archive. Time to bring it out. It’s the same kind of feeling you get when you open your closet and realize it’s time to swap your winter clothes for your summer ones. Bring out your light-colored dresses, your cottons, your linens… the kind of clothes that let you feel the sun and the warm summer breezes on your skin.

I’ve always liked photographing the beach and its users in summer. I find it’s the only place where you can walk almost naked and nobody cares. A place where you can truly let yourself go. On the beach, we’re all doing the same thing — which, for the most part, is nothing!

We’re resting. Rebuilding the strength we lost during the winter. Reading the book—or books—that stayed in the bookcase far too long, waiting for their turn to be picked up. Looking at the sea, deciding to walk to the water to freshen up, and then realizing the water is too cold. Turning around and returning to the coziness of the beach towel under the umbrella. Burying your feet in the hot sand (sometimes, too hot!). Getting sunburned and calling your friend to say you don’t know what to do with so much free time!

Summer is also the season of “do as much as you feel, or do nothing at all, and you’ve already done a lot.” That’s because the warmth makes your body and senses feel kind of anesthetized. You’re awake, but always in a snoozy state. So—even without meaning to—you can’t help it: you sleep!

I don’t believe anyone who says they’ve never fallen asleep on the beach. You just do! It comes unexpectedly. The sound of the sea, combined with the intensity of the sun and the soft breeze, is the perfect cocktail to inebriate you and leave your body soft and numb. Nature working hand in hand with (human) nature. One couldn’t wish for more!

So please enjoy these ‘sleepy heads’ on the beach. And because summer is meant to be lived, I’ll be posting on notes a summer series called Little Beach Pleasures in the coming weeks.

I wish you all a very good one! Ah, and don’t forget—as Nina Simone sang so beautifully: “Summertime, and the livin’ is easy.”

Till next time!